From Spring Training to Opening Day: Transitioning from Warm Practices to a Colder Start to the Regular Season

As pros start their seasons in their home cities, back from spring training in the South, they may be experiencing colder temperatures. It is important to gradually increase the intensity and duration of exercise over a few days to let the body acclimate to new environmental conditions. Even in colder temperatures, athletes should drink plenty of fluids to stay hydrated.

Although dehydration does not directly lead to muscle strains, inadequate hydration reduces muscle flexibility and elasticity and decreases blood flow to the muscles, which increases the odds of sustaining muscle injuries, such as hamstring strains. The exertion of energy on the field without proper hydration levels can leave any player vulnerable to injury. Dehydration can have subtle effects such as compromising a player’s timing, reaction time and cognition.

Baseball players and weekend warriors alike should consider easing into their game. This helps to avoid mechanical injuries that can happen early in the season due to lack of conditioning. Most baseball injuries are due to the overuse of muscle and joints and occur to the shoulder and elbow due to the repetitive throwing and hitting motion. Common injuries include shoulder rotator cuff tendonitis and elbow tendonitis, as well as knee and ankle sprains due to squatting and base running.

The majority of these baseball injuries can be treated conservatively with physical therapy; however, surgical repair is often necessary for severe cases of torn ligaments or meniscal tears. To prevent these injuries, players, coaches and trainers need to take more precautions as the environment in which players train and play in changes. Players need to stay hydrated with proper fluid intake before, during and after training or games. They should also be mindful about warming up properly with cardio and stretches. Any injuries should be treated promptly in order to prevent them from worsening.

Dr. Anil Ranawat is an HSS orthopedic surgeon and assistant team physician for the New York Mets. His clinical and research interests are focused on joint-preservation surgery of the knee and hip, robotic surgery, partial knee replacement and mobile-bearing technology. Dr. Ranawat graduated from Duke University, and earned his medical degree from Weill Cornell Medical College.

The information provided in this blog by HSS and our affiliated physicians is for general informational and educational purposes, and should not be considered medical advice for any individual problem you may have. This information is not a substitute for the professional judgment of a qualified health care provider who is familiar with the unique facts about your condition and medical history. You should always consult your health care provider prior to starting any new treatment, or terminating or changing any ongoing treatment. Every post on this blog is the opinion of the author and may not reflect the official position of HSS. Please contact us if we can be helpful in answering any questions or to arrange for a visit or consult.

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Located in New York City, HSS is nationally ranked No. 1 in orthopedics (for the tenth consecutive year) and No. 3 in rheumatology by U.S. News & World Report (2019-20). Our mission is to provide the highest quality patient care, improve mobility and enhance the quality of life for all, and to advance the science of orthopedic surgery, rheumatology and their related disciplines through research and education. To make an appointment call 888.720.1982 or visit www.hss.edu. Please do not share personal health information on this site.